The City of Montgomery and the Montgomery Zoo announces the Fifteenth annual Christmas Light Festival beginning with a lighting ceremony at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2006, with Mayor Bobby Bright officiating. The festival will be closed on Thursday, November 23, 2006 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday and then continue through December 31, 2006.

On Wednesday, November 22nd the Zoo will come alive as a fantasy wonderland of holiday displays begins at 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. nightly. Families will enjoy strolling through the Zoo or riding the McMonty Express to see the twinkling of miniature lights located throughout the Zoo.

The lights will illuminate the night as the Montgomery Zoo displays some of the most spectacular light displays in the tri-County area which include the NEW, “Animated Riverboat” with moving paddles, a “Snowball Fight” with two children throwing snowballs at each other. There are many favorite displays that include, “Beary Christmas” display featuring Bears eating from a honey pot with animated bees, and “Santa’s Toy Factory”, with the elves making toys. Visitors will view a larger than life Teddy Bear, the singing Frog Tree, a Fishing Polar Bear that actually fishes, a 15-foot Santa and much more.

Local schools, churches and civic organizations from Montgomery and surrounding areas will provide entertainment each night to spread holiday cheer during the festival. Every age group will enjoy the entertainment and spectacular Christmas light scenes each evening throughout the holiday season.

The Montgomery Zoo’s Overlook Café will offer refreshments, sandwiches and hot meals. Plus, before Christmas, Santa will be available for pictures and to listen to every child’s Christmas wish until December 23rd. The Gift Shop will provide an opportunity to purchase a variety of Christmas gifts at reasonable prices.

The City of Montgomery presents this spectacular Christmas Light Festival along with the following event sponsors: Montgomery Advertiser, WBAM 98.9, Alice 96.1, WSFA – 12, Yellow Book and Montgomery Zoo Friends, Alabama Power, The Bulletin Board, Coca-Cola, Davis Printing, Montgomery Mall, Regions Bank, The Shoppes at East Chase, Simcala, Wells Printing and Winn Dixie.

The Christmas Light Festival will run from 5:30 until 9:30 p.m. every evening. Admission is $6.00 per person ages 3 years and up. The cost includes a delightful train ride through the Zoo. Montgomery Zoo Friends are admitted free (Train ride $2.00 additional). Groups of 20 or more making advance reservations can receive the Group rate. For more information, contact the zoo at (334) 240-4900 or go online.